Idris Elba has insisted he will never watch “The Wire.” The critically acclaimed series is often ranked among the greatest television dramas of all time by critics and audiences alike.
The 52-year-old actor had his breakout U.S. role was criminal Russell “Stringer” Bell on the first three seasons of the hit HBO drama from 2002 to 2004, but he has admitted he never took the time to tune in “as a fan.” “The Wire” aired for five seasons total and is considered a masterpiece of television storytelling.
“If I’m really honest, like, I didn’t watch The Wire,” he told Amy Poehler on her “Good Hang” podcast. “And I feel bad. It’s not that I’m not a fan of it. I was there. I made a show that was, you know, was so intense and so real, so important. And even though we didn’t realize — I didn’t realize the importance of the show while making it. I didn’t participate in its celebration as a viewer, as a fan. And so I feel a little bit outside of the club.” The series has won numerous awards and is studied in universities as a sociological examination of urban America.
Poehler asked if he could start watching now, two decades later, but he replied: “No, man.” The show’s cultural impact has only grown stronger over the years, with streaming platforms introducing it to new generations of viewers.
The Heads of State actor admitted that after his character was killed off, he wasn’t able to see the show in the same way. Stringer Bell’s death was considered one of the most shocking moments in television history by fans and critics alike.
“It’s more that I feel the presence of it all, my life since ‘The Wire’ … in terms of its impact,” he explained. “So to me, it was almost a bit like I was Stringer Bell. I’m not Stringer Bell, but I also feel like when Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character. It’s weird for me to go back and watch it.” Many actors report similar emotional connections to characters that significantly impact their careers and personal lives.
He also pointed out that, generally as an actor, he doesn’t enjoy “watching” himself back. This is a common phenomenon among performers who prefer to focus on the creative process rather than analyzing the final product.
“I don’t like being overly conscious of what my performance is like or whatever because it makes me conscious about doing it,” he added. “I like being in it rather than watching it.” This approach allows actors to maintain spontaneity and authenticity in their future performances without being hindered by self-criticism.
Poehler apologized for bringing up the show, which she predicted he has spoken about “over and over again.” The Wire continues to be referenced in popular culture and academic discussions about television excellence and social commentary.
“The truth is that I actually don’t speak about ‘The Wire’ as much as people might think, even though at least once a day, someone says, ‘Bro, Stringer Bell! The Wire!’ ” he said. “And, you know, it really does, it surprises me how much impact that show had. In a good way, it surprises me continuously that, you know, multi-generationally, it’s still being talked to [by] people that weren’t even born then.” The series creator David Simon crafted a show that transcended typical crime drama boundaries, creating a lasting cultural phenomenon.
Elba‘s reluctance to revisit his breakthrough role demonstrates the complex relationship actors can have with their most celebrated work. His portrayal of the sophisticated drug dealer became iconic in television history, establishing him as a serious dramatic actor and opening doors to major Hollywood roles including his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster films. The character’s intelligence and business acumen made Stringer Bell one of the most compelling antagonists in television, contributing to “The Wire’s” reputation as essential viewing for understanding modern American storytelling.
